Galiano L. “Gal” Melchiorri, age 96, a lifelong resident of Natick, died on Sunday afternoon, December 2, 2012. He was the beloved husband of the late Evelyn C. (Kinman) Melchiorri for 58 years.
Born in Copper Cliff, Ontario, Canada, he was a son of the late Adimero and Luigia (Sardoni) Melchiorri. From the time his family settled in Natick, the “Navy Yard” became the major stomping ground for Gal and his brothers as they grew up. Gal was a 1933 graduate of Natick High School and worked with the Winchell Shoe Company until he joined to Army during World War II. He and Evelyn were married on Christmas Eve, 1944, and Gal shipped off to Europe the next day. A member of the 4th Armored Division, 10th Infantry Tank Battalion, he was a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge and had served in campaigns in the European African and Middle Eastern theatres.
Gal became a Natick Firefighter upon his return from the war and was to stay with the Department until his retirement 37 years later. He and his brother Sil, also a Natick Fireman, built houses together when off duty. One such house became home to Gal and Evelyn’s growing family in 1950. By 1962 and six children later, the young couple realized that they needed more room so Gal went to work again and created the home occupied by the Melchiorri’s to this day.
Always working several jobs at a time, Gal was able to build a summer getaway for his family in Barnstable Village on Cape Cod. Evelyn and the children would enjoy their summer vacations there with Gal joining them on weekends. Gal was a very active outdoorsman and particularly loved hunting in Rangeley, Maine, an activity he enjoyed until he was 94. He was a tireless fisherman whether on a lake, river or at sea. Energetic and spirited, he is remembered as one who truly cared for others and had a ready smile for all.
Predeceased by Evelyn in 2003, and their son, John P. Melchiorri, in 2007, he is survived by 5 children, Laura L. Nobre and husband Bob of Centerville, Robert L. Melchiorri and wife Charlene of Brecksville, OH, Linda E. Marshall and husband Michael of Marlborough, Stephen R. Melchiorri and wife Pamela of Natick, and Richard J. Melchiorri and wife Ana of Natick; this daughter-in-law, Robin Melchiorri of VT; thirteen grandchildren, Brian, Ray, Annemarie, Dianne, Kara, Gregg, Kristine, Andrew, Johnny, Amanda, Samantha, Andrea, and Jacqueline; twelve great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Alda Napoleon, Silvano Melchiorri, and Anthony Melchiorri.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Patrick’s Church, 44 East Central Street, Natick, on Monday, Dec. 10th at 10:00a.m. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, Natick. Visiting hours will be held in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, Natick, on Sunday 2 – 5p.m.
Donations may be made in Gal’s memory to the American Heart Assoc., 20 Speen St., Framingham, or the American Cancer Society at 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.